An Indian national has been charged in Australia for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman seated next to him on a flight bound for Perth, according to reports by Australian media on Wednesday.
Authorities said the 52-year-old man allegedly carried out “non-consensual sexual acts” against a female passenger during a flight travelling from Singapore to Perth on Monday, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police Force said.
According to a report by News.com.au, the woman alerted airline staff about the alleged incident during the flight. Crew members subsequently moved her to another seat while monitoring the suspect for the remainder of the journey and notifying law enforcement authorities.
When the aircraft landed at Perth Airport, police officers boarded the plane and escorted the man off the aircraft.
Authorities later charged him with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of committing an indecent act without consent.
The suspect has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before a court on Friday as the investigation continues.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the agency maintained zero tolerance for criminal behaviour on aircraft and at airports.
“Every passenger has the right to feel safe while travelling, particularly when confined in close proximity to others on an aircraft,” he said.
Brindal also urged passengers who experience unwanted contact to report the incident immediately to airline staff, airport security or the AFP whenever it is safe to do so.
“No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is acceptable, and travellers who break the law will face swift action,” he added.
The report also noted a previous case in October 2025 in which another Indian national was arrested after allegedly attacking two teenagers with a metal fork on a flight travelling from Chicago to Germany.